Tauranga businesses will soon be able to compete in the region's own Dragon's Den inspired contest to win help launching a ‘big idea'.

The event, which has been organised by chartered accountant Rachel Wilson and sales coach Alistair McMahon, is a way to help businesses that are struggling to implement a ‘big idea'.

Business professionals: (from left) David Parrott (Totali), Nicola Green (Sharp Tudhope Lawyers), Rachel Wilson (RWL Chartered Accountants), Alistair McMahon (Big Growth Sales) and Claudia Nelson (Right Staff) want to hear from those pitching the best business idea.

Rachel, who runs RWL Chartered Accountants, says the businesses will be vying for a package of professional business advice and support.

'There are a lot of people out there in business at the moment that are finding things pretty tough and a lot are not in a position to invest in professional advice to help move their business forward,” Rachel says.

'There is definitely a need out there but a lot of people don't know where to go, they don't have the money or they don't know the right questions to ask.”

The competition is open to any business looking at ways to grow, but she says rather than giving businesses a grilling – like on the TV show – the judges' aim is to be helpful.

Alistair, who runs Big Growth Sales business coaching, says he hopes the event will be the first of regular mentoring activities the group offers Tauranga businesses.

Businesses will be judged on amongst other things their creativity, market potential and ability to execute.

The winning business will receive a package of support worth $15,000 in total from RWL Chartered Accountants, Big Growth Sales, Sharp Tudhope Lawyers, The Right Staff and Totali web developers.

Applications close 5pm Friday, November 4.

The ‘den' panel judging planned for mid November with the final event Thursday, November 24.

For details and an application form visit www.bigideas.org.nz